Gavin Fairburn

With heavy hearts, the family of Gavin Fairburn is deeply saddened to announce his passing on January 21, 2022.

Gavin was born on September 5, 1965 to Jim and Gerry Fairburn. He was raised and spent his adult life in Saskatoon. Gavin grew up with his own ideas and rules about how his life would go and started on his own determined, unique journey. He was the classic “self-made man”. His determination, focus, quick to learn attitude and his strong work ethic became his signature.

In his early 20’s, he met and married his loving wife, Penny. Together they raised 3 children: Michael Fairburn (Jessica), Brieanna Foster (Geoff) and Brittany Rempel (John). Life was not without its challenges, but Penny and Gavin were always ready to tackle them with a special “Gavin” flavor. As the family grew, they were blessed with grandkids (Emma, Ayden, Stephen, Emily, Ethan, Erin, Hadley, Kyler). Sadly, he never got to fully appreciate being part of their growing lives.

His professional career really started with Flexicoil, later CNH. He moved on to work with Precision Metal Fabricating and ultimately to DSI Mining Canada (Sandvik) where he rose to his position of CEO. He wore many hats in his personal and professional life; to some he was Gavin the CEO, to others he was Big Dog or Big G. He was always very social, first to welcome a new face, extend a hand, an invitation, start a conversation and offer a beverage. His work gave him the opportunity to travel the world, meet new people and expand his circle of friends. Regardless of what time zone he was in, he was always ready for a text, a call or a video chat to stay in touch with his family and friends at home.

Gavin and Penny spent their time between Saskatoon, Big River camping and Phoenix Arizona. Phoenix was a special place for them; Big G spent countless hours on his motorcycle exploring with an ever-expanding group of friends and riders. The post ride festivities usually included Gavin as head chef creating his best Costco supplied steak and shrimp. He loved to cook for people; the bigger the group the better. He was famous for his campsite, one pan breakfast ready to feed a dozen.

He was always quick to invite his friends down to Phoenix and share their place; creating the memories that became the best stories. Whether at home, Arizona or at the camp site, Big Dog was the ideal host. He would take special care and attention to make sure he had your brand of beer or cocktail in stock just in case because, as always, he was the best host.

Of course, his special passion was his toys-the cars and motorcycles. Everyone became familiar with his current or recent project; he always seemed to have something torn apart to be rebuilt or restored to better than ever. His most recent project was finding, restoring and rebuilding a 1977 Olds 442 to be better and faster than its new state. This one was special as it was his first car as a teenager. Naturally, his projects were to take several months or longer but always seemed to get completed in a fraction of the time-he was tireless with his work.

Gavin was special in so many ways. People would gravitate to him for advice, career direction or just a conversation. He had a special quality where you felt more at ease and generally happier after time spent with him. He was a mentor to his children, nieces, nephews and I would bet, many coworkers. “WWGD” - What would Gavin do?

Nobody could tell a story like Gavin. The Big Dog shared his life and experiences and taught us not to take ourselves too seriously. His memory to detail was unmatched. We all have had our own experience with him, whether it be around a campfire, on his deck, on a motorcycle trip or a simple chat; he definitely made you laugh.

He will be missed. He was a lot of things- a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a brother-in-law, a grandfather, an uncle, a best friend, a mentor, an all-around good soul. If you worked with Gavin, rode with him or got to hang around with him, you knew. Regardless of his unique place in each of our lives, we all agree, he will be missed with heavy hearts and never forgotten.

As were his wishes, a celebration of Gavin’s life will be announced at a later date.